ECoast Wines News and Events for May 22 - June 4

Welcome to ECoast Wines bi-weekly News and Events update for May 22nd through June 4th! Come back every other week to see what's going on around the East Coast. If you would like for us to include your news or event, use the site contact form to get your wine out there!

“NJ Wineries fare well at competition”
Seventeen wineries from New Jersey won a combined 86 medals at the International Finger Lakes Wine Competition.
Sixty judges representing sommeliers, educators, enologists, winemakers, writers, importers, retailers and industry consultants judged the competition.
To read more, visit thedailyjournal.com

“You're hired: Trump to keep Kluge and Moses at winery”
On the same day that Donald Trump announced that he won't be making a run for the U.S. presidency, his son reveals that the famous deal-maker plans to continue to invest in the wine operation he recently bought out of foreclosure-- and that he plans to give former owners Patricia Kluge and Bill Moses roles in the operation.
To read more, visit readthehook.com

“Mixed News for Virginia Wine Industry”
Sweely Winery to be auctioned next week; Paradise Springs expands
After weeks of media fascination with the Kluge Estate and Winery auction in Virginia, magnified by Donald Trump’s ultimate purchase for cents on the dollar, the state’s industry is generating more news, some not so good, but some much more hopeful.
On the downside, another winery comes to the auction block next week. On May 11 at 11 a.m., the Sweely Winery in Madison, Va., will be sold by the auction house Transon Fox.
Some wine news emanating from Virginia is more positive. On April 27, Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration for its new 12,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room.
To read more, visit winesandvines.com

EVENTS

Virginia

Ash Lawn-Highland’s 17th Annual Virginia WineFest
May 21-22, 11-5pm
Ash Lawn-Highland
1000 James Monroe PKWY
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Ph. 434-293-8000
Cost: $20
With spring in the air, there’s no better venue for an outing than Ash Lawn-Highland’s 17th annual WineFest on May 21 and 22 at the home of President James Monroe. There will be wines from some of Virginia's notable wineries and live music. Add in carefully-selected artisans and food crafters, a house tour with knowledgeable guides, cows mooing in the pasture, and a souvenir wine glass for tasting and the day is set. The Festival is held rain or shine, with cover at the Hilltop Pavilion and in tents from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $15 for advance reservations (through May 20 only), $20 at the door and $7 for children under 12. For reservations, call 434-293-8000 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Live music at Glass House
May 22, 2:15-5pm
Glass House Winery
5898 Free Union Road
Free Union, VA 22940
Ph. 434-975-0094
Cost: No cover, $5 tastings
Mark your calendars for May 22, when we welcome Beleza Brazil! Dynamic duo, Madeline Holly Sales and Humberto Olivera Sales fuse samba, funk, jazz, bossa nova, soul, spanish flamenco and blues. For more information, visit glasshousewinery.com.

Festival of Wines at Wintergreen Resort
May 29, 12-5:30pm
Evans Center at Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen Drive
Wintergreen, Virginia 22958
Ph. 434-325-8292
Cost: $20
2011 Festival of Wine and Food presented by Wintergreen Performing Arts. Wine tastings from Virginia's very best wineries will be offered throughout the day. Enjoy an afternoon of wine, jazz, light fare and the cool mountain air. Proceeds support the extensive performance and educational activities of Wintergreen Performing Arts. For more information, visit wintergreenperformingarts.org.

Maryland

Wine and Music Festival - Summer Concert Series
June 4, 4-9pm
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
18125 Comus Road
Dickerson, MD 20842
Ph. 301-605-0130
Cost: $15-$18
Relax and unwind to the reggae vibes of Proverbs Reggae Band.
Join us for summer evenings of wine and music at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. We have expanded our summer Wine & Music Festival into a concert series in June, July & August featuring Reggae, 80s music and Blues. Pick your month, or come to all three! Each will feature wine tastings, wine, fresh sangria & music; vendors will have food available for purchase. You can now purchase advance tickets online by going to our website at www.smvwinery.com. Online advance tickets are $15, and tickets at the door are $18. Music is from 5:30-8:30 PM, gates open at 4 PM.
Bring your chairs and blankets! No outside alcohol is allowed and identification will be checked at the gate. This is a rain or shine event and tickets are non refundable. For more information, visit smvwinery.com.

North Carolina

6th Annual Salute! NC Wine Celebration
June 4, 12-6pm
Downtown Winston-Salem, NC
500 W. Fourth St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-354-1500
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
The sixth annual Salute! The North Carolina Wine Celebration presented by BB&T, uncorks in the streets of Downtown Winston-Salem, with over 30 North Carolina wineries offering tastings and purchase of their harvest. Voted a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society, this event offers a total experience that highlights the fast-growing North Carolina wine industry in a fun and festive setting. Enjoy delicious food selections, musical entertainment and the popular "North Carolina Food & Wine University," an interactive and fun educational area that features food and wine demonstrations throughout the day by local chefs and regional winemakers. For more information, visit salutencwine.com.